The three member Goa Human Rights Commission headed by Justice P.K.Misra and comprising of retired District Judge A.D. Salkar and Mr. J.A.Keny has directed Mapusa Municipality Chief Officer to produce the entire file pertaining to the permissions given to erect that huge metal frame blocking the footpaths next to Gandhi Chowk at the entrance of Mapusa.
When the complaint filed came up for hearing the Commission was informed by the Chief Officer and the Mapusa Mamlatdar that the metal frame which was blocking the footpaths has now been removed. The Chief Officer also informed the Commission that the permission for erecting that metal frame was issued to Rohan Kavlekar, President of Mapusa Block of the BJP for only ten days during the Ganesh Festival. It was however submitted to the Commission that the metal frame was blocking the footpaths for over a year after which the Commission directed the Chief Officer to produce the entire file to examine on what basis the permission was given to erect the metal frame blocking the footpaths while adjourning the hearing to January 15th. Pointing out that the huge metal frame had been erected on the footpaths on both sides of the main road, it had been stated in the complaint stated that people’s access through the footpaths had been obstructed. The erection of the metal frame on the footpath was contrary to law as the law requires that all the footpaths be left unobstructed at all times for the pedestrians to use and infact the thrust today is to even make the footpaths accessible by wheel chair for the disabled. In the complaint it was sought that the Mapusa Municipality Chief Officer, Mamlatdar and the Police Inspector be directed to explain as to how they remained mere spectators to the obstruction of the footpaths which was a clear and blatant Human Right violation. Aires Rodrigues Advocate High Court C/G-2, Shopping Complex Ribandar Retreat, Ribandar – Goa – 403006 Mobile No: 9822684372 Office Tel No: (0832) 2444012 Email: airesrodrigu...@gmail.com Or airesrodrig...@yahoo.com You can also reach me on Facebook.com/ AiresRodrigues Twitter@rodrigues_aires www.airesrodrigues.com